Most of us have been told that growth requires discomfort. Intellectually, we get that. We nod along. We agree. Emotionally? It hits different.

In this episode, I share a moment that stopped me in my tracks while I was on my treadmill, huffing through an incline workout. When my instructor said, “If you’re comfortable, increase your speed,” it felt like she was talking about more than fitness.

I’ve been clear about wanting a soft and lucrative life. Slow mornings. Coffee. Journaling. Movement. Rest. But what I had to confront is this: softness does not eliminate discomfort. It simply means you choose where and how you stretch yourself.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why comfort won’t produce the results we say we want
• How softness and ambition can coexist
• The areas in my life where I am choosing to turn up the heat
• What it really takes to build the business, body, and life you envision

There is no point of arrival. There is only evolution.

If you’re feeling stuck, craving growth, or wondering how to balance ease with effort, this one is for you.

And yes, I give my quick take on Selling Sunset because I am late and obsessed.

DM me or email me and tell me: where are you willing to get uncomfortable?

Instagram @BlackGirlsBonding

In this episode, host Kianti sits down with her homegirl, Carline Hooker, the "saleswoman extraordinaire" and founder of NetworkIt.

Carline brings 14 years of marriage experience (and 17 years of partnership) to the table for a conversation that moves past the "Instagrammable" version of relationships and into the "real deal Holyfield" truth. Whether you are single, dating, or decades into a marriage, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what it actually takes to build a life with someone else.

Inside This Episode:

• Moving Beyond "Communication": Carline explains why she "hates" the standard advice that communication is the key to marriage and offers actionable alternatives.
• The Power of Service: A deep dive into the definition of love as "taking actions to help another person win".
• Different by Design: Understanding the fundamental biological and psychological differences between partners to remove barriers of tension.
• Prioritizing Values: How to recognize when your personal priorities, like efficiency, might be inadvertently "poo-pooing" on your partner's strengths.
• Safe Spaces for Honesty: Identifying safe spaces to discuss challenges and obstacles as they arise in marriage.

About the Guest:

Carline Hooker is the founder and owner of NetworkIt, a community focused on connecting people for the sake of genuine connection rather than just business revenue. You can find her at networkitcoach.com or on Instagram at @NetworkItCoach or @carline_hkr.

Instagram @BlackGirlsBonding

It’s been a minute, but I’m back and easing into the year with intention.

In this episode, I’m talking about why I’m rejecting “strong starts” and choosing a softer beginning to the year instead. I reflect on last year as my first full year in business, what it meant to simply be profitable, cared for, and steady, and why that deserves celebration.

We talk about seasonal energy, rest, and why winter is not the time to force growth. I share how I’m aligning more intentionally with natural cycles, including the 13 moon calendar, and why I’m giving myself permission to nurture what already exists instead of rushing into what’s next.

I also reflect on different life paths, motherhood, and a powerful reminder that there are many peak human moments worth celebrating. Becoming a mother is one of them. It is not the only one.

And, of course, I wrap with quick takes on what I watched over the break.

If you’re craving ease, rest, and affirmation that you’re not behind, this one’s for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Link to source on the 13 moon calendar

Watch list quick takes:

• Knives Out
• One Battle After Another
• Pluribus
• Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, rate the show, and be sure to subscribe wherever you listen.

Instagram @BlackGirlsBonding